A beautiful Woodstock family are currently facing unfathomable times; with the loss of their home and their precious four-year-old son.

This family of five need the support of our communities; as much as they need their privacy. No possession or dollar will ever be enough to rebuild the life this family should be enjoying, but all donations will be kindly accepted.

A team of their friends are also coordinating a cattle drive on Tuesday 29 September at CTLX, Carcoar and a lamb drive at Cowra Saleyards on Wednesday 30 September. All stock donations will be greatly appreciated.

In these coming days, weeks, months and beyond, these funds will be used to help this family take the time they need to heal.

Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/648b2095e.

Dusty Langby is a 12 year old boy, who has this week, completed a 540km walk from Warren to Canberra with the aim of raising $1 million for Little Wings so they can fly more paediatricians out to the bush. Dusty and his team left Warren on 30 August, and after five days and 184 kms of walking, Dusty arrived in Parkes on 3 August where he had already raised approximately $270,000.

While in Parkes, we caught up with Dusty and his team, which included his mum Sarah, who is a nurse, and fellow nurses Nikki from Little Wings and Chris from Warren.

We learned Dusty was actually only 11 years old when he came up with the idea to walk to Canberra.

Dusty, who lives on a farm in Warren, one afternoon noticed his mum Sarah had had a hard day, and said to her, “Come on mum lets go out the back, I’ll get you in the dam to have a swim and get you a ‘lemonade’ from the coolroom.”

It was then, that the pair got talking and Dusty stated he wanted to do something to help support Little Wings, saying, “Well I’ll walk.” Mum Sarah replied, “How far will you walk? Where will you walk?” To which Dusty responded, “Parliament House.” When his mum asked how much he would raise he confidently said, “One million dollars.”

Dusty completed his walk and arrived in Canberra on 15 August, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who confirmed, “We’re matching Dusty’s fundraising dollar for dollar and backing Little Wings so they can keep flying and supporting regional families”.

Dusty absolutely smashed his goal of raising $1 million dollars, but the Dollar for Dusty fundraising account will be open for approximately one month post walk, so you can still donate at: www.givenow.com.au/dollar-for-dusty

Eighty former Parkes High School students and their partners will be returning this weekend 11-13 September to celebrate 50 years since completing Year 10. The students attended Parkes High School between the years 1973 (Yr 7), 1976 (Yr 10 – 50 yrs) and 1978 (Yr 12).

Ex-students will be travelling from interstate and locally to attend. Some students travelling over 1,000 km from Mackay, Qld and Somerset, Tasmania to renew old friendships. Memories of those “good old school days” will no doubt be recalled.

The reunion is being organised by locals Rodney and Jennie Barnes, Kym Hodges, Tony Jackson, Debbie Miles and Doug Miller.

Social drinks and an informal get together will take place from 5:30pm Friday night at the Railway Hotel. The main function will be held at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club from 5pm on Saturday evening. A roll call will occur at 6pm. There will be a memorabilia display with photos, old school uniforms and music from the 70’s and 80’s. A brunch and farewell will follow at Parkes Bowling & Sports Club from 10am on the Sunday.

Reunion gatherings have previously been held on six occasions, coinciding with 1983 Parkes Centenary celebrations for whole of school, 2006 75th Anniversary of Education at the current site, 2011 Parkes High School 80th birthday, along with era specific reunions in 1999 and 2016.

Historical Facts:

• 1973 saw a record Year 7 intake of 204 students.

• School Leaders in 1978 were Captains: Debbie Gosper (Miles) & Stephen Reilly. Vice Captains were Mark Chew, Peter Umbers & Sue Fryer (Thomas).

• Dux of the School 1978 was Joy Onley.

• Principals during the time were Mr John Byrom 1973-1976 and Mr Mervyn Eyles 1977-1978

There’s something special about a community coming together to celebrate the people, produce and passion that make it unique.

This spring, Dirty Gloves Nursery invites you to experience exactly that at its Harvest & Handmade event on Sunday, 6 September, from 10am to 3pm at 54 Corcoran Road, Parkes.

Harvest & Handmade is a celebration of local creativity and country hospitality. Wander through the nursery and discover an incredible collection of exhibitors, including Capped Cakes, 100% Pallets, C&S Stockfeeds, Posh Knots, Micki Moo, Westview Chickens & Eggs, and many more, offering everything from handmade gifts and home décor to delicious treats and fresh local produce.

The Corcoran Road Kidz Corner will be buzzing with activities, alongside a jumping castle to keep little adventurers entertained.

Food lovers can learn the art of breadmaking at the Sourdough with Kath Workshop, while gardening enthusiasts won’t want to miss Gardening 101 with local legends Faye Blackstock and Jade Wright, sharing practical tips to help every garden thrive.

Adding to the community spirit, the Wingz4Kids Fundraising BBQ offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a classic barbecue while supporting a wonderful local cause.

Support local, make memories, and celebrate the season with Dirty Gloves Nursery.

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held next week to provide important safety information about child car seats.

The workshops are being conducted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils in partnership with Transport for NSW. They will be held online via Microsoft Teams, on Tuesday 8 September at 11am and again at 7pm, and will run for about an hour.

The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital to ensure children’s safety when travelling in vehicles.

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjustment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for secondhand car seats and much more.

“It will be a great refresher for grandparents, as child car seats and the rules have changed a lot since they had their children, but also for parents and carers as they are navigating their way through their child or children’s growth.

“Local checking day events show that around 80% of the child car seats we checked were incorrectly installed. Transport for NSW research shows that children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured” said Ms Suitor.

To book your place, use this link: https://bit.ly/WkshopRego visit the event listing on the Council’s Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.